Box Score
NEW ORLEANS, La. – The New Orleans Privateers men's basketball team (11-13, 8-8 Southland) shot more efficiently in the second half of an 84-71 loss to the Northwestern State Demons (14-13, 10-6) in the final home game of the season on Saturday at Lakefront Arena.
Both teams started sluggish as the Demons began by hitting just one of five shots. New Orleans started by converting on just one of their first 10 opportunities. Northwestern State hit the first media timeout with a 4-2 advantage. The tempo quickened as the first half went on, and the game was tied on seven different occasions over the next six minutes.
"There are just going to be some nights where it doesn't go but when you look at the things we can control, we controlled our attitude, our effort, and we were high on both," said Privateers Head Coach
Mark Slessinger. "I'm not happy we lost, but I'm not upset with the team."
With nine minutes remaining in the opening half, the Demons went on the first big run by scoring 20 of the next 23 points to push ahead 39-22. Northwestern State went to the half with a 39-28 advantage after shooting 51.5 percent in the first half. The Privateers were limited to 25 percent shooting in the opening half.
The second half saw the Demons never relinquish their double digit advantage at any point. New Orleans could get no closer than 10 points in the closing half as the Demons shot 32-for-61 for the game. The Privateers came out much more efficiently in the second half, making 56.5 percent of their shots in the closing half.
"We just didn't complete the plays inside. No one was more upset than the guys in the locker room. We just didn't get a run going, and we didn't get stops to get a run going," said Slessinger.
Kevin Hill established new career highs with 21 points and 15 rebounds while going 8-for-14 from the field.
Cory Dixon played through an ankle injury and scored 15 points while grabbing six boards in 28 minutes.
Nate Frye dished a career-high five assists, eclipsing the four dimes he had in the season opener against Millsaps.
Northwestern State was led by Jalan West's 24 points while also adding six assists and four steals. DeQuan Hicks added 22 points on 9-of-12 shooting off the bench while grabbing a team high six boards. Zikiteran Woodley chipped in with 18 points.
The Privateers take to the road to finish the season with the next game coming at Lamar on Thursday, Mar. 6. Tip is scheduled for 7:45 p.m.
